"Daydreams", Original Batik Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

 Daydreams

This piece is fresh off the easel!  It will be part of an online art show coming up in May.  There will be several artists showing work over the course of two weeks and my particular day is May 11th.  There will be so many great pieces of work!

Here is the link for this show.  I hope you can make it! You can also reach me through email and social media.

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

 

Leaves of Gold, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Leaves of Gold

This painting was inspired by the beauty of Colorado in the fall.  The leaves are sunshine gold and the air is crisp.  I love how the aspen leaves flutter in the breeze and seem to make their own music.

This painting is sold, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me via email or on social media...I would love to hear from you!

https://dmartinfineart.com/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

 

Contemporary Painting, Abstract Nature Art ”Sky Watcher” by Santa Fe Contemporary Artist Sandra Duran Wilson

FRESH OFF THE EASEL

Imagine lying on the forest floor looking up as the aspen leaves gently dance down to earth. It is painted on a flat wood panel and framed in a black wood floater frame, ready to hang. 


14"x14"x1.5" Acrylic on Panel/Available

Click HERE  for purchase info.

View my upcoming Workshops HERE

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Visit http://sandraduranwilson.com to view more of my work.

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My NEW BOOK Awakening Your Creative Soul is available HERE

In the Silence, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

In the Silence

In the Silence began with a stark, white, canvas.  As I began thinking about this painting and what I wanted to "say" with it, I added vintage text and vintage musical notes.  I added glazes and layers of paint so that just a portion of the text shows through.  I added more layers of ink with stencils and then wiped it away.  I used inks to create the many layers and branches of the trees, as well as the moody atmosphere in this piece.

As I was creating, I thought about how we all start out as a "blank canvas".  We begin to add rich layers to our lives, with words, with music, with emotions.  Sometimes, there are things we can't say and feelings we can't express.  These words, feelings, emotions begin to tell our stories.  And sometimes, we cover up those layers, those feelings, those words, much like I covered up part of this canvas with paint.  We stay silent.  We have no words to express how we feel.  Even so, we are rooted and we grow.  Our branches seek the light through the darkness.  Through experiences in our lives, we branch out, we grow, we learn., We add layers of color, richness, and texture to our lives.  Sometimes, the messiness turns into unexpected beauty, much like this painting did.

This painting is the first in a new series I am working on.  This painting was created on an 18 X 24 gallery wrapped canvas.  It is sold, but I'm open to commissions.

Please send me an email if you have any questions or comments...I would love to hear from you!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

"The Circle of Life", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

The Circle of Life

I can finally share this piece!  I think it's become one of my favorites.  This was a commission piece for my husband's sweet Aunt.  She loves butterflies and she had seen another piece that I had completed last year and asked if I would create something along the same lines for her.  Although this didn't turn out to be an exact replica of the piece I created before, I love this one even more.  It is lighter and more luminescent than the other was.  I added 5 butterflies representing her "original family".  Now, the family has evolved and transformed, with the blessing of grandchildren and spouses.  I feel like this painting symbolizes the evolution of life...how it can change and become even more beautiful than we ever dreamed possible.

I used a vintage handkerchief for the background.  I also added some spackling paste for texture and depth.

I added various paints and inks.  Finally, I finished it off with a layer of encaustic wax to give it that dreamy effect.

This painting has found its way home, but I am open to commissions.  Feel free to contact me at: 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

You can also check out my website:  www.donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook to see my latest work and works in progress!

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart

"There is Always Light", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

There is Always Light

Well, this one was a wild ride!  This is fresh off the easel and for a while, it was a true ugly duckling.  I decided to walk...no run, out of my comfort zone and use colors that I don't usually use.  The photo below is the beginning of the process, using stencils and collage, and then trying to tone it down with some titanium white.

After this, I added texture around the piece using molding paste and stencils, layering one stencil over the other so it wouldn't look so "contrived".  After it was dry, I began adding inks...in colors that I wouldn't normally use.  I used a purple ink that had just a small amount of shimmer to it.  It was very, very bright and I needed to tone it down again.  After the "wild colors" had dried, I added sepia ink over the whole piece...several times.

At this stage, I was pretty sure I had ruined it, but what happened next was pretty amazing.  The colors started showing through the sepia ink in the most beautiful way.  It still had a beautiful and translucent quality to it, but the ink toned it down and gave it so much more depth.

I decided to add trees, since I have been created a series based on trees.  I added the trees with the same color inks that I used in the background and added some tiny, white branches in some areas.  The texture came out beautifully too...you can see it in these close up photos.

.

This painting is full of emotion.  We just found out that my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Everything about that at this point is unknown.  When I don't know what to do, I paint.  It's the only way I know how to express myself sometimes.  It's ironic that I "didn't know" about how beautiful these colors would turn out...just diving in and trusting the process.  I feel like with my dad, I just have to have the same kind of trust and faith.  Heading on into the unknown and looking for the beauty in each, single, precious moment and never taking any of it for granted.

This painting will be available at Art in the Park in Parker, CO on August 25th and 26th from 10:00 - 4:00.  Also, at the Castle Rock Artfest in Castle Rock, CO on Sept. 8th and 9th from 10:00 - 5:00.  I would love to see you there.  Meanwhile, keep looking for the light!

www.donnamartinfineart

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

"The Circle of Life", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

The Circle of Life

I can finally share this piece!  I think it's become one of my favorites.  This was a commission piece for my husband's sweet Aunt.  She loves butterflies and she had seen another piece that I had completed last year and asked if I would create something along the same lines for her.  Although this didn't turn out to be an exact replica of the piece I created before, I love this one even more.  It is lighter and more luminescent than the other was.  I added 5 butterflies representing her "original family".  Now, the family has evolved and transformed, with the blessing of grandchildren and spouses.  I feel like this painting symbolizes the evolution of life...how it can change and become even more beautiful than we ever dreamed possible.

I used a vintage handkerchief for the background.  I also added some spackling paste for texture and depth.

I added various paints and inks.  Finally, I finished it off with a layer of encaustic wax to give it that dreamy effect.

This painting has found its way home, but I am open to commissions.  Feel free to contact me at: 

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

You can also check out my website:  www.donnamartinfineart.com

Follow me on Facebook to see my latest work and works in progress!

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart

"Peace Among the Trees", Original Mixed Media/Encaustic Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Peace Among the Trees"

This is my newest piece.  It was created after learning about a dear friend who was recently diagnosed with a devastating form of cancer.  Sometimes, after news like that, there are no words.  There was and is so much emotion and so many stages of "grief" after getting the news.  My friend is strong and courageous.  Her roots are planted deep and she will fight this with all she has.  She is walking through this battle with grace and fortitude.  She is truly my hero and my inspiration.  

 

This piece was created with may layers of painted papers, paints, and inks.

It was finished with a layer of beautiful, dreamy, encaustic wax.

This is a small 8 X 8 piece, which I have finished with a simple black floater frame.  It is available.  You can send me an email here with any questions, comments, or if you are interested in purchasing.

You can check out more of my work at www.donnamartinfineart.com

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"Becoming", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Becoming"

This little, chubby bird was created with painted papers, inks, stencils, and acrylic paint.  It has multiple layers.  On the first layer, I wrote words or "values", such as compassion, grace, and kindness.  These values represent more of who I want to become, thus the name of the piece.  I also hinted at some flowers just beginning to peak out from below the branches, blooming, if you will, but not yet full and complete.  This also symbolizes blossoming and transformation into something beautiful.

This piece found a new home, but commissions are welcome.  Feel free to contact me at saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com.

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

In the Silence, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

In the Silence

In the Silence began with a stark, white, canvas.  As I began thinking about this painting and what I wanted to "say" with it, I added vintage text and vintage musical notes.  I added glazes and layers of paint so that just a portion of the text shows through.  I added more layers of ink with stencils and then wiped it away.  I used inks to create the many layers and branches of the trees, as well as the moody atmosphere in this piece.

As I was creating, I thought about how we all start out as a "blank canvas".  We begin to add rich layers to our lives, with words, with music, with emotions.  Sometimes, there are things we can't say and feelings we can't express.  These words, feelings, emotions begin to tell our stories.  And sometimes, we cover up those layers, those feelings, those words, much like I covered up part of this canvas with paint.  We stay silent.  We have no words to express how we feel.  Even so, we are rooted and we grow.  Our branches seek the light through the darkness.  Through experiences in our lives, we branch out, we grow, we learn., We add layers of color, richness, and texture to our lives.  Sometimes, the messiness turns into unexpected beauty, much like this painting did.

This painting is the first in a new series I am working on.  This painting was created on an 18 X 24 gallery wrapped canvas.  It is available for purchase.

Please send me an email if you have any questions or comments...I would love to hear from you!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.instagram.com/donnamartinfineart/

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

“Dragons Soar”, by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Dragons Soar

This is the latest little painting I completed.  It's the time of the year I've been thinking about family, getting out in the warm sunshine, planting flowers, breathing in the fresh air.  I named it "Dragons Soar" because I have a little sign in my garden that says "In my garden, hearts soar and dragons fly." 

In thinking about the dragonfly and creating this piece, I found this interesting symbolism.  The dragonfly normally lives most of its life as a nymph or an immature. It flies only for a fraction of its life and usually not more than a few months. This adult dragonfly does it all in these few months and leaves nothing to be desired. This style of life symbolizes and exemplifies the virtue of living IN the moment and living life to the fullest. By living in the moment you are aware of who you are, where you are, what you are doing, what you want, what you don’t and are able to make informed choices on a moment-to-moment basis.

This ability lets you live your life without regrets like the great dragonfly.  This week, this day, are you living in the moment?

Here are some pictures of how this painting started out and went through the process.

This painting literally sat in my art studio for over a year, untouched.  I did NOT like how it was turning out and couldn't figure out what to do with it.  The sides and the bottom of it were painted bright red.  Really...who does that...FIRE ENGINE red!  I toned it down with some white.  The top background underneath the dragonfly is some really beautiful turquoise paper that I found and altered.

I continued doing more alterations to the paper behind the dragonfly.  I added some iridescent orange...man those iridescent paints are gorgeous!  Started adding some blue over the white paint at the bottom and sides to try to tie it all together.

Here I began to add more turquoise to the painting, again to try to tie it together, and because I LOVE turquoise.

And...TaDa...I think it is done!

This little painting is 8 X 8 X 1.5 found a home here in Colorado.  It was finished with a resin coating, which eliminates the need for framing.  If you have comments or comments, please contact me at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com. 

You can check out my other work at:

http://donnamartinfineart.com/   

“Infinity”, Original Mixed Media Painting/Encaustic by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Infinity

In the midst of winter, I start dreaming about spring.  It's the time for renewal, new starts, new colors, new choices.  I always look forward to the flowers blooming and the warm sunshine blowing around in the spring winds.  

This piece is a reflection of my feelings about spring and the hummingbirds that come to visit us every year.  It truly is a mixed media piece...it has so many layers and mediums.  For the background, I used a vintage hankie that had a flower stitched into it.  I then added gesso and plaster.  I used an image transfer for the hummingbird and formed the flowers in watercolor, graphite, and intense pencils.  I added some watered-down paint in the background to give it a vintage-feel.  Finally, I finished it off with a layer of encaustic wax, which gave it a dream-like quality.

This little piece will be available soon in an upcoming auction on Facebook.  The link for the auction is:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulsistersunited

I would love to hear from you!  You can send me an email at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.donnamartinfineart.com
     

"Take These Broken Wings", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Take These Broken Wings"

Sometimes we feel lost, broken, and so alone.  We feel like we've lost the ability to "fly", to find the joy, the ability to be grateful and see the good in the world.  It's almost as though we look in the mirror and don't recognize the shadow looking back at us. Sometimes, we need people to help us recreate our broken wings, to transform them into something different, something beautiful.  We need the random kindness of a stranger, a smile from the person behind the counter, almost as much as we need the people that know us the best and love us anyway.  Let's face it, there is much brokenness in the world.  People are hurting, people are searching, people are crying alone in the darkness of the night.  My question to you is, can you be a light?  Can you give someone a smile or say hello, even thought we are all different?  Can you make a difference in someone's life and be a step to mending broken wings?  I believe we all can.  One, small act of kindness at a time.  

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” 

Hebrews 13:2

This piece is a tribute to all those special souls who help us heal and help us to fly again. It was created with many layers of paper, paint, and inks.  The edges have raised texture and it is kissed by a touch of iridescent paint...it glows when the light catches it.

This little painting will be available during an upcoming auction...below is the link to the site:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulsistersunited/

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.donnamartinfineart.com

"Tree of Life", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Tree of Life

This is a new mixed media piece that I've done, using several different techniques that I've learned throughout the last couple of years.  It was done with many layers of paint, papers, modeling paste, and acrylic inks.

This one symbolizes connection.  All of our lives are entwined and connected, no matter what are differences may be.  

This painting measures 24 X 24 on a thick, gallery wrapped canvas.  The texture is kissed with iridescent copper paint that gives it the feeling of being antique. it will be available in an upcoming Facebook Auction that I will be participating in. If you'd like a chance to bid on it, here is the link to join the event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1003365009793243/

You can also contact me at:

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

I'd love to hear from you!

www.donnamartinfineart.com

"Becoming", Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

"Becoming"

This little, chubby bird was created with painted papers, inks, stencils, and acrylic paint.  It has multiple layers.  On the first layer, I wrote words or "values", such as compassion, grace, and kindness.  These values represent more of who I want to become, thus the name of the piece.  I also hinted at some flowers just beginning to peak out from below the branches, blooming, if you will, but not yet full and complete.  This also symbolizes blossoming and transformation into something beautiful.

This piece found a new home, but prints are available at:

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/becoming-donna-martin.html?newartwork=true

www.donnamartinfineart.com

https://www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/

“Joy in the Journey”, Original Mixed Media Painting by Colorado Artist, Donna L. Martin

Joy in the Journey

This is one of my newest mixed media pieces, fresh off the easel.  I've discovered that I just love painting these wild and crazy flowers.  These flowers start out as "blobs" of ink and I really have to use my imagination to make them come to life!

This piece has many, many layers.  It has layers of paper and paint.  It also has some stenciling and layers of ink.  To finish it off, I added the words, "Discover the Joy in the Journey".  This painting truly was all about discovering the joy in the journey!  

This painting is another one that will be up for auction toward the end of May. If you are interested in participating in this event, or if you have any comments, please feel free to send me an email...I would love to hear from you!

saltlightwatercolors@yahoo.com

www.donnamartinfineart.com

www.facebook.com/donnamartinfineart/